Nail Problems and Injuries Topics

Nail Problems and Injuries - Topic Overview

Minor fingernail and toenail problems are common. At one time or
another, almost everyone has caught a nail on something, causing it to rip, or
has smashed a finger in a door, leaving blood under the nail. These kinds of
injuries can be quite painful but are usually not serious. You can often
relieve pain and prevent infection of minor nail problems at home.

Normally, fingernails grow about one-tenth of a millimeter each day.
Toenails grow at about one-half or one-third the rate of the fingernails. Aging
and diseases that decrease blood flow to the hands and feet may slow nail
growth.

Common nail changes include:

Splitting, peeling, or brittle nails. These are
common problems that develop when your hands are frequently exposed to water,
strong soaps, and other chemicals. You may be able to prevent some of these
problems if you use lotion and avoid repeatedly putting your hands in
water.

Little white marks (leukonychia) often appear
after minor injuries. They may last for weeks or months and usually go away on
their own.

It is common for a nail to turn black after an injury.
The black or purple-black color is caused by blood under the nail and will go
away as the injury heals.

Black, brown, or purple discoloration
under a nail that has not been injured may be caused by
melanoma.

Changes in the shape or texture of nails, which may occur for a variety of reasons. Some nail changes, such
as the formation of ridges, are normal with aging. Thick, brittle, or dark
nails are more common in older adults who have poor
circulation.

Ingrown nails, which are often caused by improper
trimming, tight shoes, or heredity. Your nails may grow into the surrounding
skin, causing pain, swelling, and
infection. In rare cases, an
abscess may develop under a nail (subungual
abscess).

Separation from the nail bed. Once your
nail separates from its nail bed, for whatever reason, it will not reattach.
Nails grow back slowly. It takes about 6 months for fingernails and up to 18
months for toenails to grow back attached to the nail bed.

Infection and allergic reactions. These are common
problems caused by
artificial nails.